HGV training provider Horsepower teamed up with Gregory Distribution last month to host an HGV driving taster day at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter.

The company, which works to attract female drivers into the road transport industry, welcomed 100 people to the event, with 39 trying their hand at driving a truck with a representative from one of the companies.

Those taking part included 31 women and eight men, with the majority aged between 20 and 30.

Horsepower representative Dawn Allanson, who took attendees out in the vehicles on the day, said: “There was a real buzz, people were absolutely loving the chance to get behind the wheel and be able to find out what a career move could bring them by talking to us.”

She added that feedback from the event had been positive, with 16 attendees enquiring about further training.

Heather Rose, who also instructed new drivers at the taster day, added: “'We were flat out all day, but it was worth the effort, the positive feedback has been incredible.”

Allanson said: “We could  hardly keep up with the demand  when we ran the taster day, so we are hoping to organise another in the next couple of months.”

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